The Best Types of Rocks for Kids to Collect
When it comes to rocks, it would seem kids are quite a bit more drawn to them than adults. That is not to say that there are not plenty of adults that love rocks and minerals as well.
I am pleased to say that most rocks are safe for kids to collect. There are a few types of rocks out there that you do want to keep your kids away from, including adults. Likewise, there are some rocks and minerals you can purchase that could cause some ill effects to a child, but that can depend on their age.
I will get into those a little further down this article…
I want to make a quick note here that I will be referring at times to rocks as both rocks and minerals. Keep in mind though, that rocks and minerals are separate. In fact, most of the “rocks” I will be mentioning are actually called minerals.
Some of the best types of rocks for kids to collect will be from the quartz family such as amethyst, citrine, rose quartz, carnelian, agate, smoky quartz, tiger’s eye, and rutilated quartz. Some other different types of rocks for kids can be pyrite, selenite, malachite, bornite, fluorite, sodalite, lapis lazuli, hematite, obsidian, and calcite.
Though most of those mentioned are actually called minerals, kids and adults can often be captivated by the color and patterns that can exist in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous type rocks.
I will briefly talk about the rocks and minerals I mentioned above as a reference, with images of course. If you are interested in a rock or mineral and want more information, I will provide a link to an article I have written that can help you with that. (I have an article for most of the rocks and minerals I mentioned.)
Amethyst
This quartz mineral is a very popular mineral among children and adults alike. You can often find this popular mineral in a kid’s collection. “All About Amethyst”
Citrine
This mineral is very close to amethyst. It is in fact often found with amethyst. Citrine may not always be as you expect. To find out read my article on citrine. “All About Citrine”
Rose Quartz
Rose quartz is a favorite of many. It is unique as it is one of the few pink minerals available. This mineral does not often come as a nice looking crystal like amethyst or citrine.
Carnelian
This minerals name is not very well known to many. In fact it is often confused with agate. With all its fiery reds many will purchase this mineral for its beauty not knowing what they bought. “What is Carnelian?”
Agate
Agate is a very abundant type of silica mineral. Its popularity comes from the pretty patterns and slight translucency it can have. This mineral is another popular one amongst kids as it is affordable and abundant. “All About Agate”
Smoky Quartz
This type of quartz is not as popular as some of the other types. It’s still something kids find pretty cool and worth collecting. Its darker colors of black to brown to grayish, along with being in crystal form, can be appealing to collectors of any age.
Tigers Eye
Not many know that tiger’s eye is part of the quartz family. Known for its brown patterns and ability to take a great polish. This rustic wood looking mineral is a great type of rock for a kid’s collection.
Rutilated Quartz
This quartz brings a bit of wonder to the beholder as they see all the black rods within it. Those black rods are tourmaline, and the inclusion of it in quartz gives way to the term rutilated quartz. This particular quartz is also often called tourmalatied quartz.
Pyrite
Pyrite is very popular among kids. I would be surprised if this shiny mineral was not a type of rock a kid had in their collection. I would say that younger kids should not have this mineral based on its elemental contents and the potential for them to put it in their mouths. “All About Pyrite”
Selenite
Another favorite for kids, selenite has a fibrous look but is not dangerous to hold. Often sold as a long wand, this mineral should generally be for older kids. I have often seen parents pay for one of these and quite quickly the child will break them. Selenite is a type of gypsum and you can read more about it here. “All About Gypsum”
Malachite
Malachite is well known for its patterns of green. Kids typically like to collect this mineral in a carved out shape such as animals and shapes. When polished, this mineral poses little issues in regards to handling it even though it is high in copper contents. “All About Malachite”
Bornite
Also called “peacock ore”, the metallic purple, blue, and greens can be quite eye appealing on this mineral. This type of rock will get high approval from kids, though that is not to say that kids only love shinny things. Bornite is not always what it seems though, you can find out more. “All About Bornite”
Fluorite
The purples and greens that can come with this mineral are always a favorite for kids. It often looks like it could be quartz, but it is not. Fluorite has a very unique capability, like calcite. You can find out more. “All About Fluorite”
Sodalite
This particular type of rock is not as commonly collected by kids. Though it is a blue and white rock which attracts many, I feel more adults will purchase sodalite. Sodalite will often be carved out into spheres that look like small worlds with swirling clouds. “All About Sodalite”
Lapis Lazuli
Another rock that expresses blue, lapis lazuli is a great type of rock for kids. The blue color this rock expresses is a bit different than sodalite. In fact at times sodalite is confused with this rock. Find out more. “What is Lapis Lazuli”
Hematite
Hematite is a mineral that is hard for kids to pass up. If polished to a shiny mirror, you can often see your reflection in is. Not all hematite will be reflective but will have a metallic look about it anyway. Hematite can come in crystal form as well. “All About Hematite”.
Obsidian
This type of rock is a great one for kids to collect. Though some caution may need to be taken while purchasing this rock for kids. That all depends on what shape it is carved into. Find out more. “All About Obsidian”.
Calcite
Calcite is not often thought of as a very interesting mineral. It can have some pretty great colors at times and will often be acquired by kids in their collections. Like fluorite it does carry a pretty cool ability that many may not be familiar with. “All About Calcite”
Three Types of Rocks
Other than minerals, there are three different types of rocks for kids to collect. Those types of rocks are sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks. With all the possible colors and patterns these types of rocks can have, you can often expect kids have them in their collection.
For more information on sedimentary rocks, see my article “What Are Sedimentary Rocks” where I get into more detail. Sedimentary rocks are the ones that typically contain fossils and can often have banded patterns.
For more information on metamorphic rocks, see my article “What Are Metamorphic Rocks” where I get into more detail. Metamorphic rocks can often have some great patterns, and are often the hardest rocks.
For more information on igneous rocks, see my article “What Are Igneous Rocks” where I get into more detail. Igneous rocks are quite special. They are quite often a mineral bearing rock which contains a lot of the kid’s favorite minerals mentioned above.
Rocks Not Safe for Kids
There are a few rocks and minerals that are not safe for kids. Types of rocks that are fibrous such as fibrous serpentine or asbestos are definitely not for kids. Other toxic minerals such as torbernite, cinnabar, and stibnite should be avoided.
As wisdom would have it, if you have never heard of the rock or mineral before, research it. For the most part people avoid selling these types of rocks and minerals anyway. If you are out looking for rocks or minerals in the field, research the area and make sure you know what you are looking for.
Some rocks and minerals can be harmful to younger kids but are usually okay for older kids to collect. Younger kids tend to stick things in their mouth, possibly ingesting any particles flaking off a rock or mineral. A couple of rocks you might want to avoid for younger kids might be malachite and pyrite.
Both malachite and pyrite are very safe to have, I would just not recommend it for any children that would likely put it in their mouth. If somehow the enzymes in their little mouths break down any polish or surface, they can start ingesting elements that can be harmful.
Cinnabar can be a very beautiful mineral. The mineral is generally okay to handle if it does not flake off as dust into the air, or onto fingers that might go into the eyes and mouth. The mineral is high in mercury, and in general should not be a specimen for young kids.
I have written a great article on cinnabar, “All About Cinnabar”, if you are interested in this toxic mineral (toxic if not handled correctly that is).
Conclusion
Really the best types of rocks for kids to collect will be in the quartz family. Quartz is generally safe and nontoxic, as well as very eye appealing. There are many other rocks and minerals outside of that which are generally safe as well. Just make sure you do a little research and I highly suggest you don’t give any rocks or minerals to very young children.
